Missouri Rep. Bob Onder files lawsuit to overturn state Supreme Court block of congressional map
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U.S. Rep. Bob Onder and other plaintiffs have sued to reverse a Missouri Supreme Court order that halted a GOP-favored congressional redistricting plan, arguing the decision violates constitutional provisions and disrupts upcoming elections.
U.S. Rep. Bob Onder, a Republican from Missouri, filed a federal lawsuit on Friday seeking to overturn a state Supreme Court ruling that barred a newly drawn congressional map from being used in the November 3 midterm elections. The suit, joined by Republican House candidate Rick Brattin and two Missouri voters, contends that the court’s action breaches both the U.S. and state constitutions.
"It was really a startling act of judicial supremacy by the Missouri Supreme Court," Onder said in an interview, adding that the court’s move to alter district lines after the August primary disenfranchised about 1.2 million voters.
The complaint filed in the Eastern District of Missouri argues that reinstating the previous district boundaries would be impractical and would cause significant cost, confusion, and hardship for voters, candidates, and election officials. It also notes that the state Supreme Court’s unanimous decision ordered a statewide referendum on the map for November.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that the state is requesting an emergency review by the U.S. Supreme Court, stating that a timely and lawful congressional election depends on a prompt decision.
Under the contested map, which was used in the August primaries, Republicans argued it would give their party an advantage in a House seat currently held by a Democrat. The plaintiffs maintain that changing district lines after primary results undermines the electoral process and should be prevented so close to Election Day.